Fall camp: Monday, Day Nine

After a much deserved day off on Sunday, the Golden Bears were back in action on Monday with another double practice session. Compared to last Saturday's double session, things went more smoothly today, perhaps Sunday's day of rest helped.

"It was good having two practices (today)," Tedford said.

With the team's first scrimmage last Wednesday, Tedford admitted that minor injuries were beginning to affect depth, particularly at tight end. Richard Rodgers and Spencer Hagan did not practice much today, both were held out for precautionary reasons, though Tedford said he expected Hagan to be available for next Wednesday's practice.

It appears that a long week of work has also created some movement on the depth chart as the coaches begin to identify who will lead the team in the fall. Tedford gave a glimpse into the team's plans with his comments on Monday.

One player certain to get some playing time is tight end Harrison Wilfley, who Tedford today praised for being "… a really tough kid."

Joining him will be freshmen wide receivers Bryce Treggs and Chris Harper, although how much they play is still uncertain.

"I think Harper and Treggs have made an impact. We're still evaluating the others. I think those two kind of have stepped up right now. It'd be fair to say they'll probably be in the rotation," Tedford said.

"They're very talented. They run really well. They catch the ball really well."

"They still have to learn with what they're doing, and the speed of the game, but I think with each day that we practice, they're more and more comfortable with … what we're trying to get done."

Brennan Scarlett is another player who has impressed throughout fall camp, showing no lingering side effects from the injuries that kept him out of spring ball. Today, Tedford revealed that he is the front runner to start opposite Chris McCain.

"[Linebackers Scarlett and McCain] are long-armed guys who can run and [are] athletic, so we're in good shape there."

Less clear is who will end up manning the nickel back position. Coach Tedford spoke highly of the players in contention, naming Tyre Ellison, Joel Willis, Kameron Jackson, and Adrian Lee in particular, but said that. " … it depends who the other safety is, {whether] Josh Hill is going to play nickel or safety. We're still in the evaluation process on what's our best combination for nickel."

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Additional Notes:

The team will be in helmets and shorts for its fourth and final open practice tomorrow, before the scrimmage on Wednesday. Tedford said he hopes to see several different things at that scrimmage, including tempo, execution, tackling, and a lack of missed assignments.

Wide receiver Maurice Harris did not practice. Tedford reported his injury as a sore knee.

Jeffrey Coprich is still about two weeks away from returning to practice, as he recovers from a broken jaw bone.

As a result of the injuries at tight end, Maximo Espitia has been seeing more reps. Tedford was pleased with his progression.

"Maximo really is a very good athlete. He really fits in at [tight end] well…I'm really pleased at the way he has absorbed the offense."